...Administrative Ethics When it comes down to ethical issues involving administration, some aspects always seem to be overlooked. On May 17, 2011, Ricardo Alonzo-Zaldivar wrote an article for azcentral.com relating to the vulnerability of electronic medical records and its effects on patient privacy. In this document I will be discussing the issue on patient privacy and confidentiality. I will be touching base on the population it affects, arguments used within this article that support electronic medical records, ethical and legal issues involved. Along with the issues I will be discussing the managerial responsibilities and proposed solutions that may help in maintaining patient privacy under regulation that are being proposed within this article. The issue on patient privacy is nothing new and out of the ordinary within the health care field. According to the American Medical Association’s (AMA) Council on Ethical and Judicial Affairs the main purpose of a healthcare professional’s ethical duty is to maintain patient confidentiality and to allow the patient to be able to make a truthful disclosure of their personal information to the physician placing their trust that the physician will protect the confidential nature of the information disclosed. Unfortunately, physicians cannot entirely control the access to electronic medical records. If patients distrust and have the anxiety that their medical records will not be private, they might tend to tell their doctors less, or...
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...Abstract This paper will explore the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and discuss the following questions: What is the purpose of HIPAA? How does the HIPAA law affect health information managers? What are some ethical issues to consider regarding HIPAA? Finally I will provide some examples of how HIPAA has changed the way the practice of health care and health information is managed. Health Information Portability and Accountability Act In 1996, the United States Congress enacted the Health Care Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and President Bill Clinton signed it into law. HIPAA was introduced as an act to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to improve portability and continuity of health insurance coverage in the group and individual markets, to combat waste, fraud, and abuse in health insurance and health care delivery, to promote the use of medical savings accounts, to improve access to long-term care services and coverage, to simplify the administration of health insurance, and for other purposes. (Wikipedia) Health Information Managers play critical roles in their day to day work load to ensure compliance with regulations that pertain to the privacy and security of patients’ medical records and information. After the HIPAA was passed in 1996, these HIM professionals were introduced to a new and changing forefront of legislative and regulatory requirements when it comes to dealing with the wealth of...
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...Electronic Health Records Abstract Healthcare is growing every day and there are always new ways to improve. Electronic health record has been introduced to replace paper charts. Electronic health record is suppose to improve patient care, reduce cost, and prevent dangerous medical errors. There are many ethical considerations to consider with the electronic health record. With this technology there are pros and cons. I will address the pros and cons of electronic health record. Electronic Health Record Many hospitals and medical practices are transitioning from paper to electronic health records. Electronic health records (EHRs) have been available in one structure or another. However, the idea that patient medical records could be maintained on a personal computer is just starting to take hold in the general population. While some organizations already have electronic health records, some organizations still use paper medical records. In 2004 President George Bush mandated that organizations convert their medical records to an electronic version by 2014 (Bindell 2008). President Bush suggested that the use of electronic medical records my improve care, prevent dangerous medical errors, and reduce healthcare cost (Bindell 2008). Electronic health records may make healthcare services more efficient and safer because the provider would have the health history records including current medications and treatment diagnoses available to them when treating the patient...
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...Legal and Ethical Considerations in the Implementation of an Electronic Medical Record (EMR) Marcia Stevenson |General Purpose: |The history of EMR | |Specific Purpose: |To learn about the legal and Ethics requirements of an EMR | |Central Idea: |To educate the audience that EMR has been updated to reflect current trends, practices, | | |standards and legal issues | | | | | | | Ethical issues related to electronic health records (EHRs) confront health personnel. Electronic health records create conflict among several ethical principles. Electronic health records may represent beneficence because they are alleged to increase access to health care, improve the quality of care and health, and decrease costs. Research, however, has not consistently demonstrated access for disadvantaged persons, the accuracy of EHRs, their positive effects on productivity, nor decreased...
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...stated as a contributing factor to the declining trust in the healthcare system. Clearly another cause is the escalation in healthcare cost. In addition to escalation in cost is the complicated multitier payment system that exists in healthcare today. With these factors in mind the healthcare providers should be held accountable to uphold the ethical and moral values of their profession. The focus of my investigation is the cause of mistrust from an ethical and moral standpoint. Using Beauchamp and Childress four principle to address the issues faced by individuals through the current healthcare in the system such as legal issues, economic financial, and the impact it generates in people lives. I will try to propose one modification to help elevate the trust in the system. Legal issues contributing to mistrust Medical Malpractice Two legal issues contributing to mistrust is medical malpractice and comprising of electronic health records. Medical malpractice causes separation and lack of trust between patients and providers. Because of incidences that may have occurred within the healthcare system. The forefront of all legal issues is medical malpractice, because there are standards that were set by the pioneers in healthcare and all providers are to uphold the values set. Base on the veracity theory taken from ethics in healthcare, 2010 pg. 62, and “veracity connects both...
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...Administrative Ethics In administrative health care today, there are constant occurrences of ethical issues in the everyday behaviors. As health care administrators, we have responsibilities to ourselves, the organization, the patients, and our employees. The increasing information technology, which is the future, can be an ethical concern to administrators of the confidentiality of information on patients. Confidential information is private or privileged information, and should be that luxury. In health care, the confidential information that is stored into an information system, such as a patient health record, will need the ethical awareness, knowledge, and decision making skills of managing confidential information is the administrator’s responsibility. Managing confidential records will require the education of all staff within the facility. This would be the education on the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act. HIPAA and HITECH laws will be mentioned in this report as well as, an article from a local news station on a breach of patient confidential records, the issue and the impact is had on the population, the facts that are used to support the article and its solution, the ethical and legal issues for the administrative issue, the managerial responsibilities that are related to the administrative ethical issues, and the proposed solutions. Loma...
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...good wound care” (p. 174). In order to practice efficient, standardized, electronic wound documentation and management, the solution can be discovered in health informatics software and digital wound imaging technology. The focus of health informatics is the patient and the process of care, and the goal is to enhance the quality and efficiency of care provided (Hebda & Czar, 2013). Category of Solution Rationale The rationale for the utilization of health informatics software and digital wound imaging technology is to decrease charting errors, staff frustration, and increase efficiency of wound documentation. It would also enhance workflow, cost-efficiency, and most importantly patient care. Fosco (2012) stated, "Facilities save on labor cost due to more efficient workflow, better clinician and staff time management, accelerated coordination of care, and automated processes” (Labor savings section, para. 1). Using a health informatics software and digital wound imaging technology together allows for an interoperable solution to manage health care information better. Regulatory, Legal, or Ethical Issues Regulatory, legal, and ethical recommendations are practiced in the health care setting to ensure safety, security, and reduce or eliminate the risk of injury or illness. When applying a new informatics and technology solution it is imperative that the policies and procedures of the health care organization are followed. The policies and procedures already in place...
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...Administrative Ethics The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act also known by the acronym HIPAA was enacted in 1996 (Highmark, 2011). The intention of the new set of laws was to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the health care system of the United States (Highmark, 2011). HIPAA affected everyone with any involvement in the health care field; although those affected the most were those involved through the administrative process. The administrative process became filled with new standards and requirements for the transmission of electronic health care information (Highmark, 2011). The enactment of the HIPAA law was designed to protect patients and their private health information known as PHI. Even though the intention was to improve the health care system while saving money it has become very costly if violated administratively. As a result of the HIPAA act the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) needed to impose another act known as the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health act (HITECH) as a way of ensuring enforcement of HIPAA (HHS Press Office, 2011). This act allows Health and Human services to impose a civil monetary penalty (CMP) to reinforce the social and legal responsibilities of health care workers. The United States Department of Health and Human Services penalized Cignet Health management 4.3 million for violating the privacy rule set in place by HIPAA (HHS Press Office, 2011). According to Health and Human services...
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...Advances in Information Technology Create Ethical Issues that Drive Congressional Acts Ethics refers to what is morally good or bad, the division of right and wrong. The increase in ethical issues rises as information technology advances. What is unethical is not necessarily illegal. Therefore, congress is forced to set guidelines protecting consumer’s privacy, accuracy of information, the ownership and value of such information and who has access to it. The Electronic Funds Transfer Act of 1978 and the Health Information Portability and Protection Act of 2006 are just two examples of these types of acts. Information technology advances in order to keep up with the demands of the modern world. One such way, is the availability to access money from automated tellers and point of sale terminals. Congress implemented the Electronic Funds Transfer Act in 1978 to establish the basic rights, liabilities and responsibilities of consumers who use electronic funds services and financial institutions who offer those services. (FDIC, 2006). This law protects an individual consumer’s privacy by ensuring the financial institution protects the digital data it is storing and that it does not disseminate that information to the wrong individual. The financial institution must ensure it receives and authentic information from the consumer and accurately transfer the information into the computer system. The ETA also identifies error resolution and limits liability for any unauthorized...
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...00 DOI: 10.1037/a0016853 Electronic Medical Records: Confidentiality Issues in the Time of HIPAA Margaret M. Richards Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital With the application of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the medical community, new issues arise for psychologists in keeping documented records of patient visits. Confidentiality limits have broadened, making use of the electronic medical record more complicated for the psychologist practitioner, particularly when serving as part of a multidisciplinary team. As the electronic medical record (EMR) has become more prevalent in multiple settings, various researchers have examined the effectiveness of this record keeping system, with a focus on improving patient outcomes. The risks and benefits of implementing an EMR will be discussed, focusing on specific considerations for psychologists in regard to confidentiality and interdisciplinary collaboration. Keywords: Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), electronic medical record (EMR), confidentiality How much information is appropriate to place in an electronic medical record (EMR), especially when that record is accessible to professionals throughout an organization (i.e., a hospital setting)? This question has become an important topic of discussion and research as EMRs become more prevalent in larger institutions, such as academic medical centers and community mental health centers. With the implementation...
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...Adverse Trend and Data Management in Hospital University of Phoenix HCS/482 Adverse Trend and Data Management in Hospital The flow chart in the appendix 1 provides a comprehensive analysis of the adverse trend and data management that could occur within my organization. In depth, the research would evaluate patients’ healthcare and whether it is provided in an accurate and professional manner. To gather facts and information about the management in hospital, this research would follow up various steps. First, the research would evaluate how healthcare providers administer medical care and whether or not patients receive adequate support that boosts their well-being. Second, the study would evaluate whether the care provided in the hospital aligns with the medical standards. Conducting this research would create a strong platform to understand the past and present management and further work hard to eliminate any activity, condition, or medical errors that would hinder quality healthcare. Research Questions It is a well-documented fact that, quality medical care is of essence in reducing high mortality rates that occur as a result of poor medication and services provided (Flores, Win & Susilo, 2010). With this in mind, this research would investigate various factors that hinder healthcare providers from administering quality healthcare. To fully gather facts and information, this research would answer the following questions; do patients receive quality care and what...
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...Ethical Healthcare Issues HCS545 May 11th, 2015 Ethical Healthcare Issues Ethical issues arise in all types of industry no matter the magnitude of the issue decisions will have to be made regarding it. The health care industry is no different, some of those ethical issues include patient privacy (or lack of), transplant allocation, refusal of care, patient dumping, access of care, biomedical research and patient noncompliance with treatment. For this paper I will focus on patient privacy, the ethical issue of patient privacy is how patient information is getting leaked unintentionally. An examination of how each of the four major ethical principles can be applied towards this issue will be provided. Patient Privacy The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) original intents were to enable workers to change jobs without fear of losing health care coverage (Liebler & McConnell, 2012), but HIPAA is more commonly known for protecting patient privacy. When organizations had to be HIPAA compliant by April 14, 2003 those organizations were required to train employees in the proper handling of protected health information (PHI), publish policies and procedures addressing the handling of patient medical information (Liebler & McConnell, 2012) . Any release of patient information for purposes other than treatment, payment, or operations requires written authorization (Buppert, 2002). Under the patient privacy rule EVERYTHING is protected, diagnosis...
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...improve health record quality. What are AHIMA’s Mission, Vision and Values? AHIMA leads the health informatics and information management community to advance professional practice and standards.AHIMA is working to promote this mission through: Informatics: Transforming data into Health Intelligence Leadership: Developing HIM leaders across all healthcare sectors Information Governance: Being recognized as the health industry experts in information governance Innovation: Increasing thought leadership and evidence-based HIM research Public Good: Empowering consumers to optimize their health through management of their personal health information AHIMA … leading the advancement and ethical use of quality health information to promote health and wellness worldwide • AHIMA is the worldwide professional association of recognized leaders in health information management, informatics, heath data technology, and innovation. • AHIMA proactively promotes the technological advancement of health information systems that enhance the delivery of quality healthcare. • Based on AHIMA’s Code of Ethics and applicable law, AHIMA will promote the ethical and appropriate use of health information, and its members will ascribe to and conduct themselves in accordance with the Code of Ethics as part of their professional responsibility. • AHIMA recognizes that quality health and clinical data are critical resources needed for efficacious healthcare and works to assure that the health information...
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...The strategic advantage that Kaiser gained from their EHR system is staying ahead of the competition. I believe as innovators they designed and implemented a system that revolutionized medical industry in terms of patient care. This system has been ranked as a “leader in the implementation of electronic health records (EHR),” with that being said they have set the bar high in a competitive market. “Kaiser’s goal was to fully implement the EHR applications in all its medical facilities, and they successfully achieve that goal in 2010 which benefited them greatly” (Mod 3, Par. 2). 2. What do you think are the greatest benefits of the HealthConnect system for Kaiser Permanente subscribers? The greatest benefits of the system for subscribers...
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...Nunez-Walker HCS/335 09/08/2014 Claudia Unrein Administrative Ethics Paper A patient’s electronic protected health information is an important issue when it comes to privacy for the patients and physicians. “Communicating with patients using mobile devices such as Blackberrys, iPhones, iPads, or Android phones is fast growing trend among healthcare providers” (Barrett, 2011) . In the world today physicians and patients are using mobile devices an order to communicate with each other more and more. This of course raises distresses when it comes to the security of protected health information. This article discusses the issue on security by the use of electronic transfer of protected health information between health care providers and patients and also how those issues may cross HIPAA Security Rule. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) was establish in 1996, in order to protect the privacy and security of patient’s health information. “The Security Standards for the Protection of Electronic Protected Health Information (the Security Rule) establish a national set of security standards for protecting certain health information that is held or transferred in electronic form” (U.S Department of Health & Human Services, n.d). There are many reasons why the use of mobile devices triggers the HIPAA Security Rule. Unauthorized disclosure of protect health information is very much at risk because mobile devices can only store in two ways: within...
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